Sanderling census of La Safor

 

Sanderling in Winter Plummage

On Sunday 27th November we took part in the Sanderling Census of La Safor which was organised by the “Associació Ornitológica De La Safor”.
The stretch of Mediterranean coastline to be studied was that between Playa de Tavernes in the north to Playa de Oliva in the south.  We grouped into 4 teams, each having a designated section of beach. Our particular area was from Marenys (just south of the port of Gandia) to Diamus.  We commenced at 0830hrs under very cloudy skies, although thankfully no wind. Sea conditions were choppy although certainly not severe.
Much to subsequent amusement of our fellow birders, our stretch of beach turned up absolutely no Sanderlings whatsoever!  However, the day´s count for the whole area was 323.  Although we managed to find no Sanderlings, we did spot 16 other species.
The day commenced with Grey Heron and Little Egret, both of which were fishing in the mouth of the river Serpis. As we made our way down the beach we saw 16 Pied Wagtails, 4 Cormorants, a pair of Black Redstarts, 2 Common Terns, 6 Yellow Legged Gulls, 1 Black Headed Gull, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 4 Kentish Plovers and 3 Sandwich Terns. The small river mouth at Diamus revealed a pair of Moorhen, a Robin, a Hoopoe and a first winter Grey Wagtail.

Audouin´s Gulls on the beaches of La Safor

However, the highlight of the day was a group of 18 Audouin´s Gulls on the beach at Diamus.  Once finished, five of us met for a brief scan over Gandia marsh where we saw 2 Marsh Harriers and enjoyed great views of a Booted Eagle.

El Hondo

 

Not within our usual birding area, El Hondo is a wetland reserve of major international importance, not least for it´s population of White Headed Duck and Marbled Duck.  Although not a regular venue for us, El Hondo always provides something of interest.

El Hondo Nature Reserve

We were fortunate to enjoy some beautiful autumn sunshine as we set off across the reserve.  Within just five minutes we were delighted to see 3 Cranes passing overhead, shortly followed by a lone Booted Eagle.  As we made our way through the reedbeds, we watched as a Marsh Harrier hunted by the shore of the lake.  We stopped and set up the scope, to be rewarded with views of Serin, Stonechat, Moustached Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Fan Tailed Warblers and a Bluethroat.  A Great Grey Shrike provided a few minutes entertainment before we were distracted by 3 passing White Storks.
The first lake held Coot, Mallard, Pochard, Gadwall, Little Grebe and a Purple Gallinule.  The larger second lake gave views of Flamingoes in good numbers, Grey Heron, Little Egrets and a Crested Lark by the shore.
We were almost out of time so wandered back to the car park as the sun was beginning to set.  A flock of 14 Glossy Ibis flew overhead providing a great ending to a super day.
Although our plans allowed for only a few hours, we managed to see 33 species…Pied Wagtail, Crane, Magpie, Chifchaff, Marsh Harrier, Fan Tailed Warbler, Black Headed Gull, Booted Eagle, Great Grey Shrike, Little Egret, Moustached Warbler, Bluethroat, Stonechat, Mallard, Gadwall, Little Grebe, Coot, Pochard, White Stork, Purple Gallinule, Serin, Cormorant, Spotted Redshank, Grey Heron, Crested Lark, Kingfisher, Kestrel, Flamingo, Sardinian Warbler, Moorhen, Jackdaw, Glossy Ibis, Spotless Starling.

Dave Warrington birdwatching guide